Martins Indi, who moved to Porto from Feyenoord for around £6m last summer, was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United after van Gaal was appointed. Martins Indi played an important role for Holland at the World Cup, when van Gaal was national team boss.

The centre-back was tipped to join United as he's comfortable playing on the left-hand side of a back three, as van Gaal experimented with his national team formation during his early months at United.

In the end, United signed Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon and Martins Indi made the move to Portugal to join Porto.

But Martins Indi has dropped a big hint that a Manchester United connection remains, admitting that he's still a big fan of the United boss.

Spiritual

Speaking to Helden Online as reported by Goal.com, Martins Indi said: "Spiritually I still have contact with Van Gaal. I think about him and I think he also thinks about me."

The 22-year-old defender helped the Netherlands to the semi-finals of the World Cup, and he was linked with several top teams - including United - in the wake of the tournament.

Defensive reinforcements

United still need reinforcements in defence, as the club looks in good shape in pretty much every area apart from the back-line. Rojo is a key addition but injuries to Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans have exposed the lack of experience in the squad.

The departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have forced the likes of Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair into the starting eleven. While they have performed admirably, United boss van Gaal will want other options to ensure the club gets back into the Champions League.

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